A Swedish Anzac Odyssey – Private Erik Blomqvist’s journey from Sweden to Australia and Lemnos

Key points

• Swedish-born Erik Blomqvist, who enlisted as Eric Bloom, served as a private with the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion. After training in Egypt, his unit sailed to Lemnos before landing at Gallipoli.
• He was wounded during fighting at Lone Pine in August 1915 and died the following day at a hospital on Lemnos, aged 28. He was buried in the Old Square Tower Cemetery, later moved to Portianos.
• His sister received his belongings, and his grave was recently visited by descendant Richard Blomqvist, who was welcomed by Lemnos's Deputy Mayor.